Guns Civilians Cannot Legally Possess – Full List

Do you know which guns civilians cannot legally own? Federal law strictly bans fully automatic machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and sound suppressors without special licenses. Our clear guide lists every prohibited weapon and explains local laws in plain language. You will gain peace of mind and avoid accidental felony charges.

Post-1986 Machine Gun Ban: Guns Civilians Cannot Own

The Post-1986 Machine Gun Ban stops regular people from owning most fully automatic weapons made after May 19, 1986. This rule comes from the Firearm Owners Protection Act. If a machine gun was not registered before that date, civilians cannot legally buy or own it.

This ban answers a big question: what guns can civilians not legally own? Simply put, any new machine gun that fires many shots with one pull of the trigger is off limits. Older machine guns made before the cutoff can still be owned, but they are pricey and need strict FBI checks.

Many folks get confused about which guns are blocked. The law targets weapons that keep firing while the trigger is held. Semi-auto guns, which fire once per trigger pull, are not part of this ban.

The 1986 ban made it illegal for civilians to register or own machine guns made after that spring.

Here is a quick list of guns civilians cannot own because of the ban and related rules:

• Machine guns built after May 19, 1986
• Unregistered full-auto rifles from any year
• Short-barreled rifles without a tax stamp
• Silencers not approved by the ATF

Why the Ban Matters for Gun Buyers

The ban shapes the market today. A pre-1986 M16 can cost over $20,000 because supply is frozen. New shooters must look at legal semi-auto options instead.

Data from ATF shows only about 175,000 machine guns are registered for civilian use, almost all from before the ban. This small number keeps prices high and limits access.

Remember: the ban is federal, but states may add more rules. Staying safe means knowing what is allowed before you buy.

Short-Barreled Rifle Limits

Short-barreled rifles, often called SBRs, are guns with a rifle barrel shorter than 16 inches. In the United States, regular people cannot own these without special permission from the federal government. The law says you must pay a tax and get approval before you can have one.

So what makes a short-barreled rifle off-limits without paperwork? The main rule comes from the National Firearms Act of 1934. This law treats SBRs like machine guns and silencers because they are easy to hide. If you cut down a rifle barrel or build one short, you must register it and wait for a stamp.

An SBR without the proper tax stamp can bring a fine of up to $10,000 and 10 years in prison.

Let’s look at the basic numbers that show the limits. The table below shows what counts as a short-barreled rifle and what is okay for civilians to own without extra steps.

How to Stay on the Right Side of the Law

If you want to own a short-barreled rifle, start by filing a Form 1 or Form 4 with the ATF. You will pay a $200 tax and wait several months for a background check. Never shorten a rifle barrel before your stamp arrives in the mail.

Here is a simple list of steps to follow:

• Pick a rifle you want to make short.
• Apply for the tax stamp and pay $200.
• Wait for approval before cutting the barrel.
• Keep your stamp with the gun at all times.

Some states add their own bans on top of federal rules. For example, California and New York do not allow civilians to own SBRs even with a federal stamp. Always check your local laws before you plan a build.

A good rule is to measure twice and file once so you don’t break the law by accident.

Kids in fifth grade might think a shorter gun is just handier, but the law sees it as a bigger risk. Stay safe and keep your paperwork straight.

Destructive Devices Prohibited

When people ask what guns civilians cannot legally own, the answer often includes destructive devices. These are weapons made to cause big damage, like bombs or grenades. Regular folks in the United States cannot own them without a special tax stamp and background check from the ATF.

A destructive device is any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas weapon. It also includes any gun that shoots a projectile over one-half inch in size, unless it is for sporting use. Examples are hand grenades, rocket launchers, and mortars. Owning these without permission can lead to prison time.

• Hand grenades
• Anti-tank rockets (RPGs)
• Explosive bullets
• Large bore cannons over 0.5 inch

What the Law Says About Ownership

The National Firearms Act puts strict rules on these items. A person must be 21, pass a deep background check, and pay a $200 tax for each device. Some states add more bans on top of federal law. Always check local rules before trying to buy anything that goes boom.

The ATF states that unregistered destructive devices are among the most serious firearm crimes.

Here is a quick look at common items and their status for normal civilians:

If you want to stay safe and legal, keep away from anything that explodes or fires huge rounds. Talk to a local gun lawyer if you are unsure. Following the rules keeps you and your neighbors protected.

State Assault Weapon Bans

State assault weapon bans stop civilians from owning certain guns that lawmakers say are too dangerous for regular use. These laws focus on semi-automatic rifles and pistols that have military-style features, like the AR-15 or AK-47 look-alikes.

In states like California and New York, a gun with a detachable magazine and a pistol grip can be illegal. The exact list changes by state, so buyers must read local rules before they shop for a firearm.

What States Forbid and How to Stay Legal

Many states use a feature test to decide if a gun is banned. If your rifle has two or more listed parts, it may be called an assault weapon. Always check the state police website before you buy or build a gun.

• Detachable magazine outside the grip
• Folding or telescoping stock
• Flash hider or suppressor
• Grenade launcher mount

Massachusetts treats any copy of a banned assault rifle as illegal for most citizens.

The table below shows a few states and the guns they ban. This helps you see the big picture fast.

If you live in a ban state, you can still own hunting rifles or bolt-action guns. A smart step is to take a free class from a local firearm shop. They will show you models that are legal and safe to keep at home.

Unregistered NFA Item Bans

Some weapons are legal for civilians only after they are registered with the federal government. These are called NFA items under the National Firearms Act. If you have one without the proper registration, you break the law and can face prison.

So, what guns can civilians not legally own? The clear answer is any unregistered NFA item. This includes machine guns, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, silencers, and destructive devices. A civilian may own these only after paying a tax, passing a background check, and getting ATF approval. Without those steps, the item is banned.

Common NFA Items You Must Register

Below is a simple table showing NFA items and why an unregistered version is illegal. This helps you see the line between okay and not okay.

Always check your state laws too, because some states ban even registered NFA items. For example, California does not allow private ownership of short-barreled rifles at all.

The ATF states that possession of an unregistered NFA firearm is a serious federal crime.

If you plan to build or buy any of these, start with the ATF Form 1 or Form 4. Wait for approval before you take possession. Doing it after the fact is not allowed and puts you at risk.

Never trust homemade plans that skip paperwork. A few minutes of reading the rules can save you years of trouble.

Penalties for Illegal Possession

Illegally owning firearms that civilians are prohibited from possessing, such as unregistered short-barreled rifles or fully automatic weapons, carries severe federal consequences. Offenders may face multi-year prison sentences, heavy fines, and permanent forfeiture of firearm rights.

State statutes often overlap with federal law, imposing additional felony charges for unlawful possession. Knowingly violating these restrictions can trigger mandatory minimums, and aggravating factors like prior convictions increase punishment substantially.

References

1. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – ATF
2. Federal Bureau of Investigation – FBI
3. U.S. Department of Justice – DOJ